There’s something utterly charming about the bright, zesty pop of citrus combined with the soft, delicate crumb of a cookie. This Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe is my go-to when I want to bring a burst of sunshine to any occasion. With its irresistible lemony aroma and tender texture, these cookies are a delightful treat that’s as easy to make as they are to enjoy. Whether you crave a simple sweet snack or an elegant dessert that pairs beautifully with tea, this recipe hits all the marks and then some.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to create the perfect balance of bright citrus flavor, tender crumb, and just the right amount of sweetness. Simple pantry staples come together with fresh lemon zest and juice to make each cookie uniquely flavorful.
- All-purpose flour: The base of our cookies, providing structure and a soft bite.
- Baking soda: Adds a gentle rise and lightness without overpowering the delicate flavor.
- Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and, when combined with lemon zest, infuses flavor right into the dough.
- Lemon zest: Delivers a fresh, vibrant citrus aroma that’s absolutely essential.
- Unsalted butter: Creates a rich, tender texture and carries the lemon flavor beautifully.
- Egg: Binds ingredients and adds a bit of moisture for softness.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brings brightness and a natural tang to every bite.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to balance the citrus notes.
How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature for even baking once your dough is ready. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Then, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl—this keeps those dry ingredients evenly combined and ready for the wet ingredients.
Step 2: Infuse Sugar with Lemon Zest
Here’s a little trick that really elevates the flavor: combine the granulated sugar with the lemon zest, rubbing them together with your fingertips until the mixture becomes fragrant and slightly moist. This step releases the essential oils in the zest and infuses the sugar with vibrant citrus notes that really shine through once baked.
Step 3: Cream Butter with Lemon Sugar
In a large bowl, add the softened butter to the lemon-sugar mix and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This aeration is crucial for a tender cookie with a soft crumb and golden edges.
Step 4: Mix in Egg, Lemon Juice, and Vanilla
Add in the egg, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture. Beat everything until it’s combined and smooth—this brings moisture and delicate flavor mingling to the dough in perfect balance.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet bowl, stirring just until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix as that can lead to tougher cookies instead of the soft, tender texture we want here.
Step 6: Shape and Sugar-Coat
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, then roll each ball in extra granulated sugar. This sugar coating creates a delightful crackly surface when baked, giving you a little textural contrast that’s so satisfying.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place your sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for gentle spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges just turn a lovely golden color. The centers will look slightly underbaked but that’s key—they’ll remain soft and tender once cooled.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting stage helps them finish cooking gently and ensures that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe so unforgettable.
How to Serve Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the presentation and flavor, sprinkle a tiny bit of extra lemon zest or a dusting of powdered sugar on the cookies just before serving. For a bit of indulgence, drizzle some white chocolate or a lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice. These touches add an elegant finish that’s perfect for sharing with guests or special occasions.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with hot beverages like Earl Grey tea or a vanilla rooibos, balancing the citrus brightness. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside a fresh berry salad or a small bowl of Greek yogurt with honey and lemon zest. The contrast of creamy and tart with these cookies is really delightful!
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies on a beautiful platter with fresh lemon slices and edible flower petals for a stunning look. You can also sandwich them with a lemon cream cheese frosting or lemon curd for an extra special treat that will wow friends and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your Lemon Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep fresh and soft for up to a week, making them perfect for prepping ahead or keeping handy for whenever a citrusy sweet craving hits.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Place the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. You can bake them straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. Finished cookies can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months without losing that soft texture.
Reheating
To enjoy cookies that taste freshly baked, gently warm them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 4–5 minutes. This softens the edges and revives that just-baked aroma, making each bite feel fresh and delightful again.
FAQs
Can I substitute lemon zest with lemon extract?
While lemon zest offers the freshest and most vibrant citrus flavor, you can substitute with about ½ teaspoon of lemon extract if zest is unavailable. Just be cautious not to add too much, as extracts are more concentrated and could overpower the dough.
How do I make these cookies vegan?
You can try replacing the butter with a vegan butter substitute and using a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of the egg. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different but should still be delicious.
Why are my sugar cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies flatten out too much during baking, try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Also, double-check your measurements—too much butter or sugar can cause excessive spreading.
Can I use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Granulated sugar helps create that lovely crisp edge and crackly sugar coating, so it’s the preferred choice for this recipe. Powdered sugar will produce a softer cookie but may change the texture noticeably.
What’s the best way to get a soft center in these cookies?
Baking the cookies until the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked is the key. Allowing them to cool on the baking sheet helps the centers set without becoming hard or dry.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a delightful cookie that brings a sunshiny burst of flavor to your day, this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s wonderfully simple to make but feels special enough to impress anyone lucky enough to have a bite. I can’t wait for you to try these cookies and fall in love with their tender, lemony goodness as much as I have. Happy baking and even happier snacking!
Print
Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Sugar Cookies are soft, fragrant, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor. The combination of bright lemon zest and juice creates a refreshing twist on classic sugar cookies, perfect for a delightful dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Other
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside as it will be gradually incorporated into the wet ingredients.
- Create Lemon Sugar Mixture. In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and lemon zest. Rub them together with your fingers until the sugar is fragrant and slightly moist, releasing the citrus aroma.
- Cream Butter and Lemon Sugar. Add the softened unsalted butter to the lemon sugar mixture, and beat together until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. This step helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg, Lemon Juice, and Vanilla Extract. Beat in the egg, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined, ensuring the flavors are well incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and keep cookies tender.
- Shape Dough Balls and Roll in Sugar. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Then roll each dough ball in additional granulated sugar to create a sweet, slightly crunchy coating.
- Arrange and Bake. Place the sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges begin to turn golden. The centers should look slightly underbaked to keep the cookies soft.
- Cool Cookies. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, add ½ teaspoon lemon extract to the wet ingredients.
- These cookies freeze well; store in an airtight container for up to 3 months for best freshness.
